Mount Everest is based in the Sagarmatha National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Himalayan site boasts a wide range of the highest mountain ranges, biggest glaciers, deep valleys and not to mention the amazing range of wildlife and beautiful scenery! Every year thousands of trekkers climb to Everest Base Camp and the surrounding areas to witness first hand the incredible views and nature. If you are unsure what permits you need, find out everything you need to know below.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of April 2023, Nepal Tourism Board has released an official statement confirming that a TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) will now be necessary to obtain before starting your trek.ย You will also need to hire a licensed guide to hike to Everest Base Camp. Read their new guidelines here.
For trekking any routes within the Everest Region, you will need three permits for entry! These permits are used for Everest Base Camp and other treks you might want to do in the same area. Some of these you can organise in advance and some can easily be purchased on the trail itself, so don’t panic if you left this until last minute. You will need your passport for all of these permits.
1 – Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
Cost – The cost for Foreign Nationals is NPR 2,000 per person for the first four weeks, anything over than four weeks is NPR 2,500 per person. This rate is the same for all foreigners and includes SAARC Citizens.
Getting the Permit – This permit grants you access for the whole Khumbu Region. You can obtain this permit at the starting point of the trek at Lukla. (You can’t miss the place to get it, as its directly on the trail!) If you are trekking from Jiri or Salleri, this permit is available at Monjo.
This permit is not available in Kathmandu.
2 – Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Cost – The cost for Foreign Nationals is NPR 3,000 per person, per entry (including 13% VAT). For SAARC nationals, the cost is NPR 1,500, and for Nepalis, the entry fee is NPR. 100.
Getting the permit – This permit is the gateway for you entering the National Park, where Mount Everest is located. This entry permit can be bought on the trek, at the entry gate to the Sagarmatha National Park, however, during high season there can be long queues to pass through.
We would suggest buying this permit before you start your climb, at the Department of Tourism Building at Kathmandu. It’s about a 25 minutes walk from the centre of Thamel. Along with the completed permit will be an information booklet on the National park containing a map of the park and extra information you might need to know.
3 – TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System)
As mentioned above, the Nepal Tourism Board decided from April 2023, all trekkers will also need a TIMS Card, as well as the other two permits. You can check out their website and read about their updates here.
Cost – The cost for Foreign Nationals is NPR 2,000 per person. For SAARC nationals the price is NPR 1,000 per person.
Getting the permit – This permit can be purchased in advance from the Department of Tourism Building in Kathmandu. You can also obtain this permit through authorised trekking agencies that are registered with the government.
Frequent Questions About Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Can I use US dollars or Nepalese Rupees to buy the permits?
You can also only use Nepalese Rupees to purchase these permits. Make sure you bring enough money with you from the beginning of the trek. See our helpful guide on ‘How Much Money Should You Take To Everest Base Camp?’
What documents do I need to get these permits?
You will only need to bring your passport to be able to get these three permits.
Do I need a TIMS Card for the hike? (Trekker’s Information Management System)
Previously this Card was not needed for Everest Base Camp Trek, however, since the 1st April 2023, TIMS Card’s are now required. You now require all three permits mentioned above.
Will the permits be checked?
Yes! Your permits will be checked multiple times throughout the trek at different checkpoints. So keep them in a safe place. When obtaining the permits you are advised to take a picture of them on your phone just incase.
For a full breakdown about trekking to Everest Base Camp, see our blog ‘Everest Base Camp – Everything You Need to Know’ . This covers everything from food, accommodation and what its really like trekking to see the largest mountain in the world!
For full information about the new 2023 guidelines and rules, please see the Nepal Tourism Boards website, linked here.
For more information on Sagarmatha National Park’s wildlife, mountain ranges and everything in-between, click here to visit their website.
